Ansaru militants open fire on police helicopter in Kaduna, lose ‘250’ fighters

Gunmen opened fire on a police helicopter which raided a camp of the Ansaru militant group in Kaduna state on Wednesday.

Frank Mba, police spokesman, disclosed this in a statement, saying the group lost 250 fighters.

He said the operation started in the early hours of the day in an operational camp of the group located in Kuduru forest, Birnin Gwari.

According to Mba, the militants used “sophisticated anti-aircraft rifles and GPMG” during the attack.

“Commendably, the pilot and the co-pilot who demonstrated uncommon courage and expertise, successfully landed the aircraft at the Air Force Base, Kaduna without further incident,” he said.

“Both officers who sustained non-life threatening injuries are currently receiving treatment and are in stable condition.”

He said the operation was carried out by a combined team of operatives of Operation Puff Adder made up of the police mobile force (PMF), counter terrorism unit (CTU), special forces, intelligence response team (IRT), special tactical squad (STS) and special anti-robbery squad (SARS).

“The operation was necessitated by actionable intelligence linking terror and criminal elements in the super camp to series of terror-related violence, kidnappings, gun-running, cattle rustling and other heinous crimes across the country,” Mba added.

“Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police assures citizens of safety and sustained intelligence-led operations against bandits across the length and breadth of the nation. He has equally applauded the unparalleled bravery, commitment and dedication of the Police operatives currently conducting the special mission.”